‘Seven days’
made a submission to FCCC suggesting an increase in the price of cement. This is given the increased cost of imported raw materials.
Factory Manager, Tevita Ravulo said Pacific Cement Limited (PCL ) had been operating under a loss for the past three years and it was prudent to actively engage in cost control measures.
“This memo was made in anticipation of not getting fair price on cement given the increase of 29 per cent in our Clinker price,” Mr Ravulo said.
“As noted in the memo some of the likely cost control measure includes reduced working hours.
“Meanwhile, PCL continues discussions with FCCC and are hopeful a fair outcome will be achieved without any drastic measures taken.”
When questions were sent to PCL for comments, Fiji Sun learned that the company made inquiries with staff members as to who had leaked out the information.
A staff member who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the jobs of more than 60 people were at risk.
“We have children and our families to feed, and if the factory closes, what will happen? Now we need to be prepared for what is to come and we are only given seven days,” the staff said.
Another staff member, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, said “We have just passed our COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and just when we think we are recovering, this had to happen again. It is very difficult.”
The memo sent out to staff stated ”We have received feedback from Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) and it is noted that this response is not in our favour.
The increase in imported raw material cost will not allow PCL to continue our operation.
The plan is to continue the factory operation.
This memo serves to confirm that the company is providing a 7-day advice effective from today, Wednesday 29, June 2022. During this 7 day period, we anticipate FCCC’s advice, if the advice is in our favour, PCL will continue normal operations.
However, in the event we do not receive a favorable response from FCCC, PCL will immediately cease operations and there will be NO work for ALL employees.
This will be effective from Thursday, 7 July, 2022 until further notice.
The memo was signed by Mr Ravulo.
Questions were sent to FCCC, but there was no response when this edition went to press last night.